From the Front Row to the Stage: My Journey in Dressing Speakers for TedXTinHau Women
- Amanda W.
- Aug 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 20
Looking back on my experiences as a stylist, one event shines brightly: dressing speakers for the annual event of TedXTinHau Women event in Hong Kong. Having worked with this event from 2017 till 2024 (with a maternity leave break), this opportunity has not only enriched my understanding of personal style but also provided me with essential experience and professional tips for dressing effectively for presentations. It’s a mix of creativity, inspiration, and connection.
At a TEDx event, the atmosphere is electric. It's filled with innovative ideas, diverse speakers, and unique people. Participants gather not just to listen but to express their individuality and authenticity through their clothing. Here are my key takeaways from dressing dynamic speakers for this influential platform.
Understanding your Message and the Audience
One valuable lesson I learned is the significance of understanding the audience and how they can connect to your message, through your clothes. As a leader and co-founder of TedXTHW, Daniella Lopez asks the questions "If I was an alien, how would your explain it to me?". It's the same for the audience.
Stylist Tip:
Dont let your outfit distract from your message (it should always support what you want to communicate).
The audience has come to connect with the speaker, not sit in a work meeting. So your look should show your expertise but doesn't need to be professional.
At TedXTinHau Women, attendees include thinkers, doers, and dreamers. When selecting outfits for speakers, it is crucial to consider what reflects the message. Anything that gets in the way with the audience connecting with your true message will be a distraction. "Clothes tell stories, just as much as we do verbally or with text" says Amanda, "and what you wear speaks volumes" and can resonate with these diverse individuals.
Choosing outfits that demonstrate authenticity and relatability bridges the gap between the speaker and the audience. For instance, a tailored outfit can make a speaker appear professional while still being down-to-earth, encouraging meaningful dialogue about topics with IMPACT for Hong Konger's.
Connect with Audience with your Style
While the talk’s content holds immense importance, the speaker’s personal style significantly affects how the message comes across. Each speaker has a unique background, story and their clothing choices should reflect that.
Encouraging speakers to express their authentic character through their outfits creates an genuine connection. For example, Grace Cheng, who spoke about the joys of being a primary care giver for her grandparents, choose to wear a beautiful piece of jewellery that contained the ashes of her grandmother of which she was sharing the story of. This choice not only supports her message but forms a visual link that stays with the audience long after the talk ends.
Prioritising Comfort
Comfort is crucial!
It might seem secondary when thinking about when it comes to your style, but it impacts a speaker's performance in significant ways!
In my experience, choose:
breathable fabrics, to avoid over sweating/overheating on stage
proper fits, as everything will show up under the lights on stage
comfortable footwear (this is not the time to wear a NEW pair of shoes)
think about where your microphone battery pack will go (belt, pocket, waist band)
These tip can boost a speaker's confidence tremendously. Under the stage lights things will start to heat up, and you dont want to loose your cool. One study found that 65% of individuals feel more confident in clothing they find comfortable. When speakers feel at ease, their energy shifts, making them more engaging, present and relatable. not fussing with their clothes. Our ultimate goal is to connect, inspire, and create postive change.
Like with Maaike Steinebach, who was on a missing to improve Women's Health in Asia, spear heading FemTech Association(bringing technology and health together for a cause). Maaike was also stuggling with symptoms of thermo regulation, and was worried about overheating on stage. So we chose a to layer light natural fabrics that were sweat resistant, untimatly helping her to be cool (trendy and temprature). We also co-ordinated a neon body suit with a perfomance/trendy sneaker so that Maaike feelt as good as she looked! Nothing can hold this woman back!
Or Dr Laurena Law, where we had a custom made suit (from Frey Tailored) to fit her athletic body perfectly, so that she could do perform multiple push-ups on stage with out worrying about winkles or the fit of her outfit.
Experimenting with Colours
Colour selection can transform wardrobe choices.
For instance, soft pastels can suggest calmness, (as was the case for Dr Small Luk in 2018), or bold colours often be used for a symbolic confidence indicator or focus (as it was for Liza Avelino in 2017).
At TedXTinHau Women, I encouraged speakers to select shades that reflect their messages. A powerful red for a talk on empowerment might make a stronger visual impact than a muted tone. Research shows that colour can influence up to 80% of a person's decision-making process, which is essential for a speaker aiming to leave a mark. Here are some colours to avoid:
Black-as you tend to fade into the background a little. Best to use selectively.
Red-sometimes, as you can blend into the TEDx circle carpet (as my pants do in the image below)
White-as it can sometimes play with the colour optics of the video cameras (as white is used for colour balance).
Minimise the use of prints on stage and opt for bold colours (prints can be distracting and play with the optics of the camera)
Accessorising Wisely
Accessories can elevate an outfit, but they should complement, not overpower, the speaker's message. I discovered that simplicity often works best.
A unique piece of jewelry, a stylish scarf, or a distinctive belt can enhance an outfit without distracting the audience. Such as Claudia Chanhoi (below) in 2022 where we used her artwork printed on a silk scarf as a top for her look. Or Jen Flowers where here pink earings were chosen to make a statment, but also to ensure it woulsnt be a noise distraction (being so close to her microphone).
It’s important to ensure that accessories fit the overall theme of the talk. For instance, a speaker discussing music might choose an accessory with a visual reference like Lucy Choi in 2017 with a topical broach that reflect harmony instead of bold and busy designs.
Avoid:
Jewellery that move alot-this can sometimes be distracting
or Jewellery that makes a lot of noise when you talk, this can take away from quality audio
anything that makes you uncomfortable as it will change your body launguage (which the audience will pick up on)
Dressing for the Occasion
It's essential to dress appropriately for each event. Every speaker brought something unique to the stage, but all understood the importance of fitting into the event's atmosphere.
I advised speakers on attire that aligned with the venue (TEDx stage in Hong Kong) and the nature of their presentations. Such as Professor Paul Wong of HKU, who spoke about his drive to educate communities in Hong Kong to prevent suiside in men. He needed to show up as a professional/expert/clinician, wearing a tailored jacket and pants, but also slightly understated to aid in connecting the audience with his personal stuggle and story of venerability. Overall giving a polished look that leaves a lasting impression of grounded openess.
In complete opposite, Eny Bawse in 2023 (above), a speaker who chose a sleek black dress to show up as a powerful 'girl boss' and challenge how we see Domestic Helpers, reinforcing her powerful speech of opening a different perspective on an often under-appreciated part on Hong Kong society.
Storytelling Through Fashion
Fashion is an excellent medium for storytelling. I encouraged speakers to see their outfits as integral tool to visually support their narratives, storytelling and message.
For instance, Henry Tse (below)- a speaker in 2023, shared his story of overcoming daily struggles of discrimination as a member of the LGBT+ community. He chose to wear the colours that referenced the Transgender flag that highlighted the reason for his activism journey. As another example, Mitche Choi, a Cantonese opera singer, who wore an outfit that had modern elements to her stage costumes.
The right clothing choice can deepen the audience's connection to the speaker’s story, making the entire experience more memorable.
Preparing for the Unexpected
My time with TedXTinHau Women taught me that preparation is key, especially regarding wardrobe issues. Having a backup outfit or emergency essentials can ease the anxiety surrounding potential garment malfunctions.
This preparation is essential for both the speaker and stylist. Focus should remain on the inspiring words spoken on stage rather than potential wardrobe hiccups!
That is why I bring emergency tools with me to the event.
Here are just a few items in my stylist kit:
Stain remover
Scissors (to cut the tags off)
Bandaids (for blisters)
Hollywood tape (double sided and skin safe)
Lint-roller (for final touchups)
Emergancy sewing kit
for information here
Final Thoughts
Dressing for a presentation is a nuanced task that involves more than simply picking an outfit. It requires an understanding of the audience, a reflection of personal style, a focus on comfort, and a connection to the narrative being shared.
From my experiences with TedXTinHau Women, I hope these insights help anyone looking to refine their style for presentations. Remember, what you wear not only represents you but also amplifies your message.
May you always dress not just to impress but to express, allowing your words and style to resonate together!
About the Author:
Amanda L. Wong
Amanda Leigh Style is a Hong Kong-based personal styling service that is committed to empowering its clients to achieve their unique sense of style whilst also building confidence.
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